Join Optum, a global leader in healthcare technology, and contribute to improving health outcomes worldwide. We are seeking a Principal AI/ML Engineer with extensive software engineering expertise and a deep understanding of AI-Driven Development Lifecycle (AIDLC) practices. This role is pivotal in driving the adoption of AI-native engineering, leveraging cutting-edge AI tools to accelerate software delivery, enhance quality, and revolutionize traditional development processes.

As a seasoned engineer, technology strategist, and change agent, you will shape engineering roadmaps, evaluate emerging AI technologies, and guide teams through AIDLC transformation. Your work will be instrumental in evolving our engineering teams from conventional SDLC models to advanced AI-native delivery paradigms, fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation.

Lead the design, development, and optimization of enterprise-scale Java applications utilizing Java 17/21, Spring Boot, and microservices architecture. Drive technical design, architectural decisions, and code reviews, establishing robust engineering best practices for scalable and secure software solutions.

Champion AI-Driven Development Lifecycle (AIDLC) practices, integrating tools like GitHub Copilot and AI coding agents to boost productivity. Define and implement AI-first engineering standards, governance frameworks, and AI-generated testing strategies. Establish metrics to track AI adoption, productivity gains, and quality improvements.

Stay at the forefront of AI, Generative AI, and Agentic AI trends, evaluating new tools and frameworks. Build technology roadmaps and present compelling business cases for AI adoption to leadership. Establish reusable AI assets, prompts, and agents to accelerate engineering efforts.

Spearhead the transformation of traditional Scrum teams into AI-enabled engineering pods. Drive organizational change management for AI adoption, developing playbooks, standards, and training programs. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to institutionalize AI-native practices.

Requires a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, coupled with a minimum of 14 years of comprehensive software engineering experience. This includes 8+ years focused on enterprise Java application development and 5+ years in technical leadership or architecture roles.

Demonstrated success in leading enterprise-scale modernization initiatives and driving the adoption of AI-assisted development practices is essential. Proficiency in core technical skills such as Java 17/21, Spring Boot, Microservices, REST APIs, Event-driven Architecture, MongoDB, SQL Server, RDBMS, Hibernate, JPA, Kubernetes, Docker, Azure Cloud, and CI/CD pipelines is expected.

Expertise in AI Engineering skills, including GitHub Copilot, AI Coding Agents, Prompt Engineering, Agentic Workflows, AI-Assisted Testing, Specification-Driven Development, AI Governance, AI Quality Validation, and AI Productivity Measurement, is crucial. Familiarity with Architecture & Engineering Practices like Domain-Driven Design, Secure Coding, Performance Engineering, Observability, DevSecOps, and Cloud-Native Design Patterns is also required.